Arrival
The sun was starting to set over the horizon. Long shadows were cast across Lumiose City by the Prism Tower and various other buildings. Tired, half lidded blue eyes gazed out the window of a plane that was flying in from Hoenn.
Serena was very happy to come home for her mother's birthday, but she had just finished a Contest then had to rush to make her flight. As she got off the plane, her walk was slower than usual and her suitcase rolled slowly behind her. Even her pokemon's walks were sluggish and personality-less.
"Just another hour and we will be home you guys. Thank you for walking with me." She spoke softly.
"Brai Brai." Braixen responded with a small smile.
"Sylveon.~." The fairy types ribbon's wrapped around Serena's arm as she walked beside her beloved trainer.
"Pancham!" Pancham jumped onto Serena's shoulder, which earned him a gentle head rub. All of her Pokemon loved and cared for their trainer, and they were going to support her no matter what. Even if it is just a tired trip to home.
"Hey! Serena!" A lower and very familiar voice suddenly called out from behind her. She stopped dead in her tracks as her eyes widened. She knew this voice. It was so familiar and one she missed so so much.
An unmistakable "Pika Pika!" followed after. Yes. It was definitely him.
Serena's posture straightened up, her eyes shined a bit brighter, and she turned around to meet the trainer who captured her heart long ago.
"Ash! Pikachu!" Serena called cheerfully. She ran over to the two of them with a beaming smile. Pikachu jumped off of Ash's shoulder and onto Serena's.
"Pancham Pan Pan!" A lively Pancham greeted them.
"Braixen!"
"Sylveon!" The other two greeted with the same liveliness.
Pikachu and Pancham jumped down from Serena's shoulder and began playfully chasing each other.
"Haha. It looks like Pikachu missed you guys!" Ash laughed.
"We have missed you all too. What are you doing here Ash? I thought you were traveling to Alola?" Serena questioned.
"I was! And I still am! Clement just needed my help with something. Probably another one of his inventions. Science is so cool! But what about you Serena? Aren't you still competing in contests in Hoenn?" He asked.
"I am! It's my mother's birthday tomorrow. I wouldn't miss that. So I came home for a quick visit. I will be leaving next week."
"Huh? Your mom's birthday? I'll have to stop by! I'll ask Bonnie and Clement if they want to come along too." He smiled.
"Please do, I'd love to see them! It will be fun! I'm making food and baking some treats for the party."
"Yeah! This'll be great! I love your sweets! Well, we gotta go Serena. I'll tell the others you're here and meet you back at your place! See you later!" Ash nodded then started running to the exit. His loyal partner Pikachu ran after Ash as he started to leave before effortlessly jumping onto his shoulder.
Serena nodded back in understanding and watched the spiky haired trainer run off with a calm smile. She suddenly blinked.
"Oh! Ash!" Serena called to him with a wave of her hand.
Ash stopped quickly and looked back.
Her hand lowered to her chest, over the blue ribbon he gifted to her.
"It's really nice to see you again." She spoke, a genuine smile on her lips and a light blush across her cheeks.
"Yeah, Serena! It's really nice to see you too." Ash grinned, his tone a bit more serious than before. He waved back, then took off again.
The smile he put on her face was still there even after he disappeared from view. Serena and her Pokemon all walked together to the exit, this time all with bright faces and a bit more pep in their step.